Eddie McKay, Down's goalkeeper on their iconic All-Ireland winning teams of 1960/61, has died.
McKay was in nets for the 1960 victory against Kerry, the first time the Sam Maguire crossed the border into the north, and repeated the trick the following season as the Mourne County edged out Offaly.
He made his Down championship debut in 1957 against Donegal before capturing his first Ulster title in 1959.
The Dundrum man was a renowned shot-stopper and was a key player in his club’s first championship title, the 1957 junior success against Magheral, the side only conceding 0-03 in the decider.
Eddie McKay (RIP). One of Dundrum and Down's finest. @officialdowngaa pic.twitter.com/TUKu2HrH0j
— Dún Droma CLG (@DundrumGAC) August 21, 2024
He would go on to manage a number of Down clubs including Downpatrick and Longstone before returning in the late 1980s to take charge of his home club, taking them from Division 4 up to Division 2 - a feat achieved in one calendar year with the 1986 league season running into January 1987.
During that time, McKay would also provide the inspiration for current Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty to become a goalkeeper with the presenter going on to win an All-Ireland minor medal for his county.
"He was from Dundrum and he was the guy who got me into being the goalkeeper. He gave me my senior start and I played senior football for Dundrum whenever I was 15," Kielty told GAA.ie last year.
"Eddie's connection to Dundrum GAC is long and storied. His contribution on and off the field was immense. A leading light, he will go down as one of the greats of Down football. Our club and county have lost a hero that inspired generations of footballers. His achievements were legendary," the Dundrum club said.
"To his family and friends, Dundrum GAC express their deepest sympathy to you all."
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